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Best Bookstores in Raleigh
What are the best bookshops in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten of the best bookstores in Raleigh for new and current residents!
Raleigh is home to many great bookstores known for bringing the community together and offering a place of peace for avid readers and people who have just discovered the joy of reading alike. Unlike a public library, bookstores are great for readers who want to start a collection of their favorite reads.
Studies have shown that reading regularly can slow mental decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Reading is good for you, and finding a local bookstore with your favorite genres can lead to many health benefits while also making you happy.
Whether you're just moving to the Triangle or you've called Raleigh home for years, the City of Oaks offers an incredible literary landscape that reflects the area's vibrant culture, academic atmosphere, and community spirit.
Some bookstores in Raleigh even offer a full menu of coffee drinks, beers, wines, and food, which makes for an intriguing combination with your favorite book. Offering local events and endless cozy vibes, there are plenty of bookstores, hidden gems, and small businesses if you live in Raleigh to check out that are bound to make your day better.
From independent bookshops championing local authors to specialty stores catering to comic enthusiasts and coffee lovers, Raleigh's bookstore scene has something for every reader. Here's your guide to the ten best bookstores that make Raleigh a true book lover's paradise.
Check out these best bookstores in Raleigh
1. Quail Ridge Books
Location: 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday
Quail Ridge Books is one of the best bookstores in Raleigh and is located in the North Hills shopping center. A great summer date idea, this independent bookstore is locally owned and is best known for its quality service and great selection of books for everyone.
Founded in 1984 by Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books has the mission to promote literacy and encourage the enjoyment of reading in the community. Offering hundreds of events for writers and musicians annually, this local bookstore offers a wider selection of books and music than chain stores.
The spacious 10,000 square feet store features 35,000 titles and offers something you won't find at chain stores: publishers don't dictate what they stock. The knowledgeable staff can help you discover Southern authors and local writers you might not find elsewhere.
This bookstore is great for readers of all ages and is a great spot to buy gifts, especially around the holidays, since it offers gift wrapping. Considered a Raleigh favorite, this indie bookstore is award-winning and worth visiting if you live in one of the up-and-coming Raleigh neighborhoods.
2. So & So Books
Location: 719 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and 1 PM To 5 PM Sunday
Tucked away in the trendy Person Street area, So & So Books offers a more intimate bookstore experience. The location puts you in the heart of one of Raleigh's most walkable neighborhoods, surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and local shops.
So & So Books is a small independent bookstore in Raleigh that is best known for its wide variety of book selections, amazing staff, and overall good energy throughout the store.
Offering books of all genres, a small selection of vinyl, and even some jigsaw puzzles, So & So Books has something for everyone in the store. This bookstore even offers book requests, so if the store does not have something in stock, you can request an author and title, and the store will get it ordered with a two to three-day turnaround on most orders.
Books can be bought in-store or online, and gift cards are available on the website, making for the perfect gift idea.
3. Reader's Corner Inc
Location: 3201 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday, and 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday
Located in the heart of the NC State corridor, Reader's Corner is "a dream come true for lovers of second-hand music, comics, magazines, and books." They pay cash for used and rare books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, and comic books, making it both a great place to buy and sell.
Recognized for its green awning and location near one of the best colleges in Raleigh, North Carolina State University, this bookstore is a frequented destination for college students and avid readers.
Considered a book lover's dream, books of all genres, comic books, and music are available. As one of the oldest surviving used bookstores in Raleigh, the buying program means you can regularly refresh your collection while earning cash for books you've finished. The comic book selection is particularly strong, and the vinyl records add a nostalgic touch to your browsing experience.
4. Blackbird Books and Coffee
Location: 323 Blake St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, 9 AM to 7 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 AM to 3 PM Sunday
Blackbird Books and Coffee is a cute and small independent bookstore in Downtown Raleigh that primarily sells adult fiction but also has a little something for everyone. This popular bookstore is operated by sisters who've created something truly special.
Providing a great small shop vibe, this is a nice place to hang out on weekends or after work. Offering a full coffee and espresso drink menu and a curated tea selection, visitors love coming here to enjoy a hot beverage while starting a new read.
Featuring events every month, from poetry readings to silent book club meetings, there is always something new and exciting happening at this local bookstore. Plus, if you visit on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 7 PM with something to work on, from crochet to an art project, you can get a discount on a drink from the coffee bar.
5. Nice Price Books and Records
Location: 3106 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hours: 12 PM to 7 PM daily
Nice Price Books and Records is one of the best small bookstores in Raleigh. It is located across the street from NC State's campus and next to Cup a Joe Coffee Shop, one of Raleigh's best coffee shops.
Nice Price Books lives up to its name, offering an extensive selection of used books, vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs at budget-friendly prices. The treasure hunt aspect of browsing their constantly changing inventory makes every visit an adventure.
This bookstore even has a podcast called The Nice Price, where employees talk about new and reissued records at the store while playing songs from the records discussed.
If you are moving to the area, Nice Price Books helps you build a personal library without spending a fortune. The eclectic selection means you'll discover authors and genres you might not have considered before.
6. Dog-Eared Books
Location: 4027 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hours: Closed Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday
Located in one of Raleigh's charming neighborhoods, Dog-Eared Books offers a more intimate bookstore experience. The name perfectly captures the well-loved feeling of this community-focused shop.
This locally owned and independent bookseller is open every weekend. Considered a hidden gem, this bargain bookstore is found in a cozy warehouse space and sells gently used books at affordable prices.
Most books in the store are only $2, making this the perfect spot to buy books for yourself or your family without spending too much money. This bookstore is committed to spreading the love of reading throughout the community by providing in-store shopping and pickup.
The neighborhood location gives you a chance to explore residential Raleigh beyond the city center. The staff's personal recommendations help you discover books that match your interests.
7. Mr. Mike's Used Books
Location: 6440 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518
Hours: 10 AM To 9 PM Monday through Saturday, 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday
Mr. Mike's Used Books in Cary is a great spot to find gently used books for a reasonable price. Located in the Wellington Park Shopping Center near a cafe and boba tea shop, this is one of the best bookstores in the Triangle for its wide selection and affordable prices.
Family owned since 2003, offering quality books at excellent prices, Mr. Mike's has built a reputation as one of the Triangle's most reliable used bookstores. The longevity speaks to both the quality of their selection and their customer service.
Renowned for its excellent selection and attentive service, this bookstore is generally clean and quiet. All the books are well organized, and any new arrivals are located on the bookshelf near the front.
Since Mr. Mike's Used Books is also a book buyer, appointments can be made over the phone or at the front desk if you have more than two boxes of books that you are looking to sell. If you only have a small bag of books, they can be looked at any time.
8. Ultimate Comics Raleigh
Location: 4325 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, 12 PM to 7 PM Sunday
Ultimate Comics has three locations in Raleigh: one on Glenwood Avenue, one on Capital Boulevard, and one on Buck Jones Road. The Glenwood Avenue location is located inside Crabtree Valley Mall.
This popular comic store is a friendly neighborhood comic shop that provides a large selection of comics and excellent customer service. Not only do Ultimate Comics sell the best comics, but they also buy comics, premium toys, figures, and statues.
Whether you're a longtime collector or new to the medium, they offer an impressive selection of comic books, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise. The staff is knowledgeable and super friendly.
Ultimate Comics features events throughout the year, including comic signings, so make sure to check online for future happenings at the store so that you can plan your visit.
9. Beow's Books and Brews
Location: 8111 Creedmoor Rd Suite 153, Raleigh, NC 27613
Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 10 PM Friday through Saturday, and closed Sunday
Beow's Books and Brews in Brennan Station is a great spot to gather with friends and family to hang out, catch up, and talk about books. A new haven for bookworms in Raleigh, this bookstore provides great books and a selection of beer, wine, coffee, and food.
Raleigh's craft beer scene is legendary, and Beow's helps you experience both literary and brewing culture simultaneously. It's a great place to meet people who share your interests in books and local beer.
After a long week, there is no better place to curl up with a good book and enjoy a nice beverage than at Beow's Books and Brews. Featuring multiple events throughout the year, including live music and kid's book readings, this is more than just a bookstore but rather a spot for community gatherings.
If you are interested in hosting an event on your own, from a book club to a work event at Beow's Books and Brews, reservations can be made online in advance. Make sure to visit this bookstore whether you are moving to one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh or are just visiting the area.
10. Barnes & Noble
Location: 1311 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM to 7 PM Sunday
While technically in Cary, this Barnes & Noble serves much of the southern Raleigh metro area and offers the comprehensive selection and amenities that make it a valuable addition to the Triangle's bookstore landscape.
Barnes & Noble is the biggest bookstore chain in the country, so it is no surprise that it has made our list of the best bookstores in Raleigh. With up to four locations in the city alone and multiple other locations scattered throughout the Triangle area, Barnes and Noble is a classic location for new reads, music, and gifts.
From adult fiction to cookbooks, Barnes and Noble offers a wide selection of book genres, and most locations also offer a B&N Cafe where visitors can purchase coffee, drinks, and food.
The Barnes & Noble location in Cary, off Kildaire Farm Road, features a new layout and café. Featuring a very modern design, all of the books are well-organized, and multiple working locations and seating areas are scattered throughout the store.
Multiple events are happening throughout the year, including storytimes for young children and book clubs for different types of book genres, from romance to thrillers, that all are welcome to join. Most book club meetings occur monthly; more information can be found online or in-store.
Methodology
We used data and information from Barnes and Noble, Redbud Writing Project, and many other local sources to determine the best bookstores in Raleigh.
FAQs
What is the largest bookstore chain in the US?
The largest bookstore chain in the United States is Barnes and Noble, which has over 600 retail stores across all 50 states. There are four locations in Raleigh and a total of 23 in the state of North Carolina.
Who owns So and So books?
The owner of So and So Books is Chris Tonelli, who is also an editor and in charge of public relations at North Carolina State University.
What is the largest used bookstore in the US?
The largest used bookstore chain in the United States is Powell's City of Books, home to approximately one million books and located in Downtown Portland, Oregon.
Best Bookstores in Raleigh - Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for new or gently used books at a discounted price, there are many great bookstores in Raleigh to check out for your next read. While it can be easy to buy a book from Amazon or another online retailer, something is uniquely exciting about visiting a local bookseller and supporting a local business.
If you are moving to Raleigh, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty to find your dream home. We are here to help and answer any questions about the home-buying process and the Raleigh area.
